The start of a New Year - dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action on addiction

The beginning of the year is often touted as a time to quit alcohol for a month and have a health kick after an overindulgent Christmas. Whilst taking a break from drinking is something we support at CADAS, it’s a hard truth that for those struggling with dependency and addiction, the solution isn’t that simple.

January can be incredibly hard for many, with the third Monday of the month even hailed as the most depressing of the year. Cold, dark nights, financial struggles and a pressure to reflect and reset can all feed into anxiety and depression which can intensify the pull of alcohol. Whilst it’s believed by many that drinking makes you feel better, the opposite is true. Depression and alcohol consumption have a mutually reinforcing relationship. This means that either of these increases an individual’s risk of experiencing the other.

If you are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, you are not alone. CADAS are here for you. In this blog post we explore the impact of alcohol and the support that’s available to enable change in 2026.

How can my drinking be costing me my physical health?

Alcohol-specific deaths have been increasing in recent years. The most recently published figures from 2023 show death rates (8,274) to be at their highest in England since the data series began in 2006. This is a worrying stat highlighting that whilst alcohol is often advertised as harmless fun, there is a real cost to consuming too much.

Excessive drinking can affect existing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is also a risk factor for other illnesses including stroke, liver cirrhosis, reduced fertility, dementia and is linked to seven different types of cancer.

Is alcohol costing me my relationships?

Our relationship with alcohol can affect the relationships we have with our partners, friends and other family members. The result of this can be tension and anxiety, leading to arguments, unhappiness and possible separation.

5 signs your relationships are being impacted by alcohol:

1. Alcohol is central to your relationship

2. Your loved one starts drinking more to try and get your attention

3. Your loved one tells you to choose between drinking and your relationship

4. You have mood swings and make rash choices which you later come to regret

5. There are financial worries in the relationship owing to the amount of money being spent on alcohol

   
   

When relationships start to break down, it can be a vicious cycle as stress, loneliness and isolation can lead to drinking more.

What is the financial cost of drinking alcohol?

In the current financial climate, money is a worry for many. Evidence shows that people tend to drink more alcohol when they are experiencing financial pressures. It can often feel like a quick fix, offering short-lived escapism but this can lead to people in recovery experiencing a relapse, while others may gradually realise that they are drinking excessively.

It can also make financial struggles worse – adding to regular costs, making facing financial pressure harder and even leading to the loss of a job and income.

Support to face addiction

If you are being negatively affected by alcohol and need help to face addiction, CADAS are here to support you. We offer 1-1 coaching and group support across Cumbria which will help you to explore strategies to change your behaviours, thoughts and feelings in a welcoming and compassionate environment.

For support, please call our helpline on 0800 254 56 58 or email contact@cadas.co.uk